Infrastructure expansion and repair need equal focusRepair of infrastructure and work on additional infrastructure should be given equal treatment, according to this piece. While trillions of dollars are needed for construction of roads and bridges, maintenance costs could surge as a result of ignoring a need to fix aging infrastructure. "We've engaged in a dangerous game of deferred maintenance," said Brian Taylor, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, and director of the Institute of Transportation Studies. This article explores reasons maintenance has been deferred, offers funding suggestions and acknowledges that not all projects are worthy. McClatchy Washington Bureau
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Infrastructure projects could get $8.3B in FY 2014 Fla. budget: Florida will spend $8.3 billion on port, highway, bridge and other transportation infrastructure improvements if Gov. Rick Scott’s budget for fiscal year 2014 is passed. The budget includes $3.6 billion for highway construction, $765 million for operations and maintenance, and $401 million for public transit development grants. The Journal of Commerce
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Construction starts on $600M mixed-use project in Ga.Construction work has started on a $600 million mixed-use project in Alpharetta, Ga. The "Avalon" project will feature 250 townhomes, 101 single-family units and thousands of square feet of retail and office space. Alabama-based Hoar Construction is the general contractor and expects work to be finished during the summer of 2014. Two hotels and more retail and office space could be added later. American City Business Journals/Birmingham, Ala.
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Devices to monitor subsidence during tunnel building in SeattleExtensometers, crack gauges, automated survey machines, liquid level sensors, satellite-based interferometric radars and tiltmeters are just some of the technology tools being used to monitor signs of subsidence during the boring of Seattle's Highway 99 tunnel. Two hundred buildings above the tunnel route will be equipped with monitoring devices and about 700 devices will be added to sidewalks and streets. The Seattle Times
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Leadership tips from the African savannaSeeing a lioness caring for her cubs showcased some skills that every business leader needs, Beth Armknecht Miller writes. A lioness models good hunting techniques for her cubs, watches them carefully while allowing them space to fail and rewards their successes, she writes. "One of the primary roles a leader has is to develop her team to their full potential. And on the plains of the Serengeti, eating and being aware of your surroundings are critical to survival," Miller writes. Great Leadership
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Top five news stories selected by Concrete SmartBrief readers in the past week.

Concrete Industry Management program announces items for 2013 auction at World of ConcreteThe Concrete Industry Management program -- a business intensive program that awards students with a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management -- is pleased to announce the list of donated items for their eighth annual Auction at the World of Concrete. The Auction is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 6 in the North Hall Room N262 of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The silent Auction will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the live Auction begins at 1 p.m.

"Thanks to the tremendous response from the industry, we anticipate having the best CIM Auction ever," said Michael Philipps, chairman of the CIM Auction. "In addition to our signature concrete mixer truck donated by Mack Trucks, Inc. and McNeilus Company, we have a variety of equipment, materials, software packages, safety equipment and tools available. Cement will be a hot item again this year, and concrete contractors should be excited about the number of items we have for them in the Auction." Learn more.

548.4-11: Specification for Latex-Modified Concrete OverlaysThis Reference Specification covers styrene-butadiene latex-modified concrete (LMC) as an overlay on concrete bridge decks and other structures. It applies to both new construction and rehabilitation of existing structures. It includes certification requirements of the latex products, storage, handling, surface preparation, mixing, application and limitations. Order your copy today.